Holiday Inn Buena Park or Crowne Plaza for $200 more?

[chillin]

I am going with my DD (11), her BF(11) and her mom on a trip to DL end of June. The girls are girls scouts in a troop together and sold 1000 boxes of cookies each. Moms are paying for themselves. I have reservations through the Alakska air kids fly free program 5 nights at HI Buena Park, However I can upgrade to the Crowne Plaza for $200 more. Is it worth it? Girls are excited either way. We will be in the parks most of the time and then swimming. Another thought is close by food places. We are on a budget but I might be willing to pay the extra if I thought it was worth it. What do you experts think? TIA
Sandee
Sregon

 

[tortugaverde]

I have never stayed at the Holiday Inn Buena Park, but I stayed at the Crown Plaza two weeks ago. My family loved it It was very nice and the shuttle service was awesome. They have a great pool and hot tub. There is a Target across the street as well as a breakfast/Denny's type resturant. There is also a Red Robin and a sea food place in the parking lot. A few fast food places fairly near by. The hotel does have a resturant... and I *think* kids eat free for all guests, but I would call and check about that. If you can get a free breakfast... it is awesome, but I know not all packages included it. It is a $12 per person buffet otherwise (not worth $12! but great for free ) I guess the benefit I would see is that the Crown has a shuttle and is closer to DL than Buena Park. I would check on tripadvisor and the like to see reviews for both.

Oh, and you should check to see if that upgrade includes the $7 a night "resort fee" the Crown charges. It was included in my package... but not my in laws. They booked through the hotel directly though.

 

[chillin]

Thank you! I think your review is what had me questioning my original choice. Neither hotel includes the breakfast, though the shuttle and resort fees are included. My airfare and 5 night stay is $200 less at the Holiday Inn in Beuna Park ($1198 for 4). Crowne Plaza would be $1398. We stayed at the Residence inn Nov. of '06 as a family in a studio suite and loved it. Unfortunately we are trying to budget this time. Anyone ever stay at the Holiday Inn in Beuna Park that could help me?
I have to decide by Monday!!!
Sandee